Male Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms and Possible Treatments

Sexual dysfunction is a common issue several men face. But what exactly is sexual dysfunction? Well, if you have this question in mind, this blog is for you. Here we'll discuss what sexual dysfunction is, its symptoms, causes, and possible treatments. So, stay tuned till the end.

What is Sexual Dysfunction in Males?

Sexual dysfunction is a psychological or physical sexual problem in men that prevents you and/or your partner from achieving sexual satisfaction. Although male dysfunction is a common problem in men of all ages, it mostly affects men above the age of 40.

There are different types of sexual dysfunction in males, such as:

• Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty in getting/keeping an erection during sex.
• Low Libido: Reduced sex interest.
• Premature Ejaculation: Reaching an orgasm within seconds or too quickly.
• Inhibited or delayed ejaculation: Reaching orgasm too late or not at all.

What are the Signs/Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction?

Diagnosing sexual dysfunction in men is fairly easy. Here are its signs and symptoms:

• Inability to maintain a hard penis during sexual intercourse. (Erectile Dysfunction)
• Absence or delay in proper ejaculation. (Retarded ejaculation)
• Inability to control the ejaculation timing. (Premature or early ejaculation)
• Pain during intercourse.
• Lack of desire or interest in sex.
• Inability to achieve arousal.

What causes sexual dysfunction in men?

Mainly there are two types of causes of sexual dysfunction in men:

• Physical Causes
• Physiological Causes

Physical Causes

Some physical conditions can impact your sexual function, such as:

• Heart and Vascular Disease
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Neurological Disorders
• Drug Abuse
• Liver Failure
• Diabetes

Psychological Causes

Here are some psychological causes:

• Work-Related Anxiety or Stress
• Concerns About Sexual Performance
• Depression
• Feeling of Guilt
• Impact of a Previous Trauma

In some cases, sexual dysfunction in men could be because of the consumption of medications. Here are some types of medications that might impact sexual function in men:

• Antidepressants such as Mellaril, Elavil, Eskalith, Lithobid etc.
• Anti-hypertensive Medications such as Aldactone, Aldomet, Serpasil, etc.
• Hormonal Medications such as Goserelin or Leuprolide

How is Sexual Dysfunction in Men Diagnosed?

Well, it's relatively easier than diagnosing other health issues. If you start feeling discomfort during sex or feel like not doing it or experiencing less joy while having sex, it's clear that something isn't right. Sometimes, it's your mood, but when you experience the above things repetitively, there's definitely something wrong.

In diagnosing sexual dysfunction in men, lab tests usually play a pretty tiny role. However, it's always recommended to consult with a medical professional before you draw any conclusion.

Fortunately, in most cases, sexual dysfunction in men can be treated. Let's learn how.

How can You Manage or Treat Sexual Dysfunction? 

Although, in most cases, you can treat sexual dysfunction by treating the underlying physical or physiological problem. However, other treatments might include:

Medication

If the cause of sexual dysfunction was a side effect of a medication, changing the medication can help. Men with hormonal deficiencies consume medications that usually impact sexual activity, and leaving or changing them can help you improve sexual dysfunction..

Mechanical Aids

Penile implants and vacuum devices can help deal with erectile dysfunction. However, before administering any mechanical aid, make sure to get yourself examined by a doctor.

Behavioral Treatments

In these kinds of treatments, the professional medical analyses harmful behaviors that could ruin a relationship or sexual experience. For example, some professionals consider/analyze self-stimulation in order to treat issues related to orgasm or arousal.

Psychotherapy

Sometimes, due to a poor body image, past trauma, or tragedy, sexual function can be affected. However, this can be dealt with if you reach out to a psychotherapist. A psychotherapist can help you address your issues and come out of those traumas and eventually improve sexual issues.

Sex Therapy     

Some sexual issues cannot be dealt with by primary doctors. And this is when sex therapists come into the picture. Sex Therapists often help the patients by counseling them and talking to their partners. So, if you want to enjoy intercourse with your partner, talking to a trained professional will surely help.

Communication an Education

If you communicate with your partner about how you feel and understand more about sexual functions, you might be able to reduce sexual anxiety. And this, in turn, can help you reduce the symptoms or permanently treat sexual dysfunction.

Wrapping Up

Male sexual problems are quite common and are rarely chronic. However, such issues can ruin relationships and could also lead to anxiety, stress, or depression. So, it's better to get yourself diagnosed and go for male sexual dysfunction treatment.

You can try the above solutions, or you can directly contact a medical expert who knows how to deal with sexual dysfunction. This way, managing or getting rid of sexual issues will become easy.